David Arthur Prime

The only child of Arthur and Rachel (Libby) Prime, he was born June 28, 1942, in Bath, ME. When he was young, David’s family moved to Gardner, Massachusetts; in 1960, he graduated from Gardner High School, where he played football and baseball. He attended college at Northeast Industrial Institute in Boston where he earned an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering. After college he served briefly in the Navy before receiving a medical discharge.

David soon met the love of his life, Barbara Dymek of Baldwinville, Massachusetts and in 1964 they became the first interfaith couple to be married at St. Vincent de Paul catholic church. They settled in Hubbardston and raised three children; they lived there 45 years before retiring to North Carolina. Their 61-year marriage was a testament to their unwavering devotion to one another.

David had a long career in metal fabrication. He started out at Steel Fab in Fitchburg, and then with a partner founded Gardner Fabricated Steel and served as Vice President; he finished his career as the Manufacturing Manager at Rodney Hunt in Orange. David was very involved in his community, as a Little League coach for many years, and a long-time member of the Hubbardston Rod & Gun Club. David and Barbara also volunteered a lot of time to the Civic Association for Scholarships in Hubbardston raising money to help many students pay for college. Barbara and David enjoyed family vacations, boating and fishing on the scenic lakes of Maine. David avidly followed sports. He especially loved NASCAR and became an amateur stock car driver fulfilling a lifelong dream.

David is survived by his wife Barbara, and children: Douglas Prime of Brunswick, Maine; Gary Prime of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Sharon Healey also of Fayetteville. His memory and legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Jonathan Prime; Isaac and Julia Prime; Zachary and Noah Prime; and Shawn, Ryan, and Annaleigh Healey. David was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Rachel, and Barbara’s parents Alexander and Jenny Dymek.

Per his wishes there will be no memorial service. His body will be cremated and his remains buried along with his wife’s in the Green Bower Cemetery in Gardner.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to any cancer society.

Services are entrusted to Crumpler Funeral Home in Raeford.